Happy hour is one of the drinking world's greatest traditions. Offering a chance to enjoy wines, beers, and cocktails (and even snacks) at a great price never goes out of style. We've put together some of the most beloved happy hour hotspots throughout Sonoma Valley. Check 'em out while you're here:
Sonoma
B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille
Located in the historic Sonoma Creamery, the B&V bar features an impressive and extensive list of whiskey, bourbon, scotch and rye plus happy hour specials. Catch up on the latest basketball game at their beautiful, wraparound bar alongside great deals, including $7 house wines by the glass, well-priced local beers and ciders for $7 and under, and an assortment of cocktails and well drinks for $9. While you’re there, take a look at their menu for Pasta & Vino Wednesdays and Prime Rib Thursdays—a steal for dinner in downtown Sonoma! Offered Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 4-6pm.
El Dorado Kitchen
The El Dorado doesn’t do anything halfway, least of all a happy hour—called “Aperitivo” in EDK speak. With elegant indoor seating, a deluxe outdoor patio, and excellent service, you will be assured of the very best—and mostly at a more moderate price from their regular menu. Enjoy anything from soy-glazed pork belly lettuce cups and truffle fries to top shelf oysters and caviar…and everything in between. With an equally compelling menu of low-alcohol spritzes, you can break for a “pick me up” without feeling overserved. Offered Monday-Thursday, 2:30-5pm.
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Murphy’s lively atmosphere makes it a beacon of fun with live music, trivia nights, paint-and-sip, sports viewing and of course, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! For Happy Hour, enjoy discounted house wines, half-off specialty cocktails, and $6 draft beers. Light bites offerings typically include chicken wings with house-made ranch dressing, mac-n-cheese croquettes, fried chicken sliders, tacos of the day, fries, and more—all well priced under $10. Their friendly service, hearty fare, and generous pours make you feel like a VIP. Offered weekdays, from 3-6pm.
Sonoma Grille & Bar
Known for some of downtown Sonoma’s tastiest seafood, Sonoma Grille & Bar has become a local favorite for their indominable Happy Hour. With an extensive menu of extremely well-priced wine, beer, cocktails, and light bites, the Grille offers deals that are hard to refuse. As for the food, the offerings are awesome, from a selection of oysters on the half shell and shrimp cocktail to Himalayan dumplings and burgers. Offered daily, from 3-5pm.
Starling Bar
The hip and happening Starling Bar is one of the rare places in Sonoma where cocktails are king. They opt out of traditional happy hours in place of evening-long weeknight specials. Martini Mondays feature perfectly prepared martinis for $8, as well as their famous Bird Dogs (all-beef Chicago style hot dogs) for $5. Wednesdays feature a nightly $8 drink special and $3 tacos from the Costa's truck parked on the lot. Throwback Thursdays are all about the 80s -- $8 80s-inspired cocktails that they’ve upgraded Starling-style using fresh juices, fruit, and infusions. With 80s movies and music playing in the background, you can’t help but connect to your inner coolness. Offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays all night.
The Beacon
This sleek and chic speakeasy-inspired bar is one of Sonoma’s best-kept secrets. Nestled above Taub Family Outpost, it boasts beautiful décor and an elegant bar, full of craft house-made cocktails. Happy hour specials include three cocktails at $10 each (Espresso Martini, Ranch Water and an Old Fashioned), $10 house wines by the glass, and $2 off all beers and snacks. A special stop on your way to dinner. Offered Wednesdays-Sundays, 5-6pm.
Glen Ellen
Salt & Stone
A beautifully situated surf and turf restaurant nestled in the vineyards of Glen Ellen, Salt & Stone is a local hotspot for Happy Hour for obvious reasons! Whether you opt to sit at the bar area or outside on their scenic patio, you can’t go wrong. Happy hour includes a selection of wines by the glass for $7, $1 off all beers, and $7 for well drinks, as well as a powerhouse assortment of dishes like raw or cooked oysters, their ¼-lb house-ground burger, blackened snapper tacos, steamed mussels, crispy chicken, shrimp cocktail and more. Offered Monday-Friday, from 11am-5pm.
Kenwood
Palooza Brewery & Gastropub
Located in the heart of downtown Kenwood, Palooza Brewery & Gastropub is a shady oasis under the hot Sonoma Valley sun! With indoor seating as well as an extensive shaded patio, guests can relax and unwind at Happy Hour with $2 off all craft beers, $7 drafts, $7 selected specialty cocktails and well-drinks, and $7 house white and red wines. Their rotating food menu of delicious bar fare features small bites, healthy options, and hunger-satisfying sliders. Offered weekdays, from 3-5:30pm and at the bar all day Sunday.
